VP – CFO
Eric grew up in the Central Valley in Stockton, went to college at Cal, and follows Bears football closely (some say too closely). Eric remains a loyal Bear fan despite their lack of success. Every year arrives with new hope, and he and his friends believe that New Year’s Day is in fact in September, on the opening day of the football season.
Eric came into the wine industry via his background in manufacturing. The way he sees it, turning grapes into wine is nothing more than a glamorous, hands-on manufacturing effort. Did we mention Eric is a CFO?
Eric is passionate about tasting and being around wine. He’s been working in Sonoma County for over two decades, first with Pine Ridge Winery in Napa as CFO, then a brief time as a winery business consultant, and then bringing that wealth of knowledge to Williams Selyem in 2002.
Our CFO admits he’s been spoiled by the quality of the wine at Williams Selyem and, much like his fervor for his beloved Bears, he has become a Pinot Noir disciple—even though he was a Cabernet drinker while at Pine Ridge. Eric’s last memorable, “wow” bottle of wine was a 2001 Williams Selyem Allen Vineyard Pinot, a special bottle indeed.
On the days Eric isn’t guiding us to profitability, you’ll find him outside with good friends, the sun shining, a trusty barbeque fired up and ready to grill, and plenty of Williams Selyem to drink. If you happen to show up with fresh fish that you caught that day, all the better.
Eric is particularly fond of the 2002 vintage, as it reminds him of his son who was born that year. Sonoma County Pinot in 2002 has been described as having notes of, “wild berries, chocolate and pepper.”
Winemaking
Nick Miller